Alfred Warren Gene Norman (Feb 1935-Sep 2020) was the first, and to date only, African American Chairman of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).

Serving under Mayor Edward I. Koch in the 1980s, Norman helped defeat New York State legislation that would have exempted religious institutions from landmarks designation, and oversaw the preservation of St. Bartholomew's Church.

During Norman's tenure as chairman, LPC granted landmark designation to the Coty and Rizzoli Buildings on Fifth Avenue; the Ladies Mile shopping area from 15th to 24th Streets, between Park Avenue South and Avenue of the Americas; and the Coney Island Cyclone.

As chairman, he also secured a $60,000 grant from the Astor Foundation for crucial research and field work in Harlem.  This work continues to guide LPC's designation of historic districts and individual landmarks in Harlem.

Norman was widely praised for his superior skill in navigating New York City's landmarking bureaucracy.

In addition to his ground-breaking role at LPC, he is celebrated as a co-founder of Save Harlem Now! 

Our Honorees 
Michael Henry Adams, Historian and Preservationist
A. Phillip Randolph-Bayard Rustin Lifetime Achievement Award

Donna Mussenden Van Der Zee, Widow of James Van Der Zee
Arturo Schomburg Stewardship Award

New York State Senator Cordell Cleare
Denny Farrell Heritage Award